Meat-hanging truck



March 1966 E. A. SCHLERNITZAUER 3,240,505

MEAT-HANGING TRUCK 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 6, 1964 INVENTOR. EDWARD ASCHLERNITZAUER BY E ATTORNEY.

March 1966 E. A. SCHLERNITZAUER 3,240,505

MEAT-HANGING TRUCK Filed May 6, 15 64 5 Sheets-Sheet :5

IN VENTOR. EDWARD A. SCHLERN/TZAUER A TTORNE Y.

United States Patent Ofiice 3,240,505 Patented Mar. 15, 1966 3,240,565 MEAT-HANGING TRUCK Edward A. Schlernitzauer, Uhicago, 1111., assignor to Swift 8; Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Iliinois Filed May 6, 1964, Ser. No. 365,370 4 @iaims. (Cl. Nil-36) This invention relates to an improved meat-hanging truck useful in packing houses and the like; and more specifically relates to a collapsible meat-hanging truck.

In connection with the various processing operations carried out in meat packing plants, it is necessary to hang a number of products, most notably hams and sausages, for smoking, cooking, aging, and the like. Usually these products are contained in stockinettes or units of easing tied off into a series of links. These items are suspended from or draped about sticks or rods and thus supported for processing. The rods in turn are usually carried in large open-framework trucks which may be trundled about a packing house between loading or stuffing areas, Where the products are prepared, and Smokehouse, oven, and cool-er areas where the products are treated.

Very often the demands for such products of a packing house will vary from time to time. Demand may increase or decrease for various products processed in links or in stockinettes; and the two types require different types of hanging sticks. Accordingly, each packing house has been required to inventory large supplies of two or more types of hanging sticks.

Furthermore, the total demand for all types of products which must be hung and trundled about, in the above described manner, also varies from time to time with a resultant change in the required number of trucks. However, in the past, such trucks have been of rigid structure and have occupied a considerable amount of floor space. Accordingly, each packing plant has had to maintain a large number of such trucks, adequate to meet the largest expected demand, and provide a substantial amount of floor space for the sole purpose of storing trucks when not in use.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a collapsible hanging truck structure of uncomplicated design which may be readily collapsed in size for storage and easily assembled for use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved hanging truck structure of low weight and high strength, which is collapsible to require a minimal storage space yet of large capacity when assembled for use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible hanging truck structure with removable and reversible hanging sticks suitable for universal use with a wide range of products.

Basically the present invention comprises a three-part frame structure, including a center frame and two end frames hinged at opposite ends thereof, with novel clamping means for securing the end frames in assembled position perpendicular to the center frame, and with a plurality of casters secured to the bottom of said end frames. A plurality of hanging sticks are removably mounted between the end frames, when in assembled position; and said hanging sticks have two opposite edges of different structure so that they are reversible for suspending different types of products.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawing thereof, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the subject hanging truck in assembled condition;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the subject truck in collapsed condition;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an end elevation of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a side view of the preferred hanging stick for use with the apparatus of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 comprising a hinge and clamping means therefor;

FIGURE 8 is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 comprising the casters and mountings; and

FIGURE 9 is a detailed view of a portion of the apparatus of FIGURE 1 comprising a cross-bar and hanging sticks supported thereon.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the drawings is a collapsible truck generally 11 comprising a center frame generally 12, two end frames generally 14 and 16 hingeably connected to the center frame, each bearing casters generally 18, and having a plurality of clamping means generally 20 for securing the two end frames 14, 16, parallel to one another and perpendicular to the center frame generally 12. A plurality of hanging sticks generally 22 are supported between the end frames generally 14, 16, when the latter are secured perpendicular to the center frame generally 12.

As may be best seen in FIGURE 4, the center frame generally 12 is comprised of a bottom member 30 and top member 32 separated by a pair of vertical members 34. Suitable box bracing 36 and cross bracing 38 provides rigidity for the center frame structure. It will be noted that the end of the bottom and top members 30, 32, respectively, extend a short distance beyond the vertical members 34. Centrally located at about the midpoint of the bottom member 30 is a perpendicular mounted stop, the purpose of which is to limit the position of end frames 14, 16, when the truck is collapsed as shown in FIGURE 3.

The end frames generally 14, 16, are hinged through opposite ends of the aforementioned bottom and top members 30, 32, respectively, of the center frame. Each end frame is of substantially the same structure comprising a bottom rail 40 and top rail 42, spaced apart by a pair of vertical outer rails 44. The vertical dimensions of the center frame and end frames are substantially identical. Each end frame, generally 14, 1-6, includes a plurality of horizontal support rails 46 extending between the vertical rails 44 at irregular intervals. 'In turn, each support rail 46 contains a plurality of equally spaced notches 48 for receiving the ends of the hanging sticks generally 22.

The hinge connection between each of the end frames generally 14, 16, and the center frame generally 12, is

3 preferably at the end of a pair of T studs 50, 52, fastened normal to the top and bottom rails 42, 40, respectively, of each end frame. The ends of each T stud are pivoted to the ends of the top and bottom members 32, 30, of the center frame 12 in a manner to be described hereinafter in greater detail.

It is also preferred that a pair of swivel mounted casters generally 18 are secured at the lower corners of each end frame generally 14, 16, as shown in FIGURE 8. The casters are desirably of large diameter to provide low friction and smooth handling on irregular floors. Caster mounting plates 54 are fastened to bottom rail 40 and each of the vertical rails 44. An angle brace plate 56 extends from each vertical rail 44 downwardly to the spaced end of each plate 54 for rigidity. Each caster generally 18 is of substantially well-known construction and includes a swivel mounting 58 which is secured to the underside of the mounting plate 54 by a plurality of bolts 60 threaded into the latter. Each caster also preferably includes a swivel lock 62 to fix the caster in a desired directional attitude. However, a suitable truck may be constructed with one pair of swivel mounted casters and a pair of fixed casters.

All of the foregoing described structure is preferably of aluminum alloy such as aluminum association designation 6063T5, which is an artificially aged alloy of aluminum with magnesium and silica. The casters generally 18 are of cast parts and may have a rubber or plastic tread. Also the casters are preferably provided with nonlubricated bearings of Delrin or Teflon plastic. Also the aforementioned frame structures 12, 14 and 16 are preferably of square two-inch tubing except that the bottom and top members 30, 32, respectively, and T studs 50, 52,should be of solid rod extrusion to provide sufficiently strong hinge connections.

As may be best seen in FIGURE 7, each hinge, generally 70, is preferably constructed by reducing each end of the members 30, 32, to a central tongue 72; and providing a bifurcated end 74 on each of the T studs 50, 52, of suitable dimension to receive the tongues 72. A countersunk hinge bolt 76 is secured through mating holes in the tongue 72 and bifurcation 74.

The clamping means generally 20, also seen best in FIGURE 7, comprises a T-shaped channel section comprised of a triangular web 82 and depending sides 84 preferably formed of stainless steel. The channel formed between the side pieces 84 conforms closely in dimension with the T stud 50 and the immediately adjacent portion of the rail 42. The base of the T-shaped channel is pivotally secured to the end of the center frame member 32 by means of a pivot pin 86. Thus it will be obvious that when an end frame is perpendicular to the center frame the T channel members at the top and bottom of the latter may be pivoted into place to embrace the bottom and top rails 40, 42, of the end frame to secure them rigidly in place. Similarly, each of the T channels may be easily pivoted upwardly to release the end frame so that it may be pivoted int a position parallel at one side of the center frame generally 12.

It will be further noticed in FIGURES 4 and that desirably one, and preferably both, of the clamping means generally 20 secured to the top member 32 of the center frame also includes an arcuate tow bracket 90 bolted to the triangular web 82 of the T channel. The tow bracket 90 provides a readily acceptable means by which an operator may grasp the truck by hand or with a loop of rope or the like.

A preferred form of hanging stick generally 22 may be best seen in FIGURE 6. The hanging stick comprises a rectangular bar 92 which is preferably relieved or notched 94 at each end on one edge 96. The latter edge is of a smoothly rounded surface which is admirably suitable for supporting length of casing draped thereover. The opposite edge 98 is of regular toothed configuration which is especially suitable for engaging the ends of stockinettes or hanging strings for hams and certain dry sausage products. The ends of the hanging stick, generally 22, are supported in notches 48 in the support rails 46 as shown in FIGURE 9. When the hanging sticks are in place with the smooth edge 96 upwardly and supporting casing product draped to either side thereof, there is very little torque or twist exerted through the stick against the sides of the notches 48. However, with stockinette or string-hung product, such as hams, the sticks are reversed and the strings hung across one side from the toothed edge 98. In this instance, a considerable torque or twisting force, in the direction of the strings, is exerted against the notches 48. However, the latter force is minimized in the preferred embodiment by reason of the relieved ends 94 which reduce the moment arm distance between the support level of rails 46 and the toothed edge 98 to a minimum.

A very suitable truck was constructed according to the foregoing description having an overall height of about 6 /2 feet, including approximately 8 inch caster wheels, with an end frame width of 3 feet 6 inches and an overall length (end frame-to-end frame) of approximately 4 /2 feet. Seven support rails 46 were provided in each end frame at the following spacing between rails commencing with the distance of the first support rail above the bottom rail 40: 8 inches, 5% inches, 2% inches, 10 inches, 2% inches, 5 /2 inches, and 10 inches.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An improved and collapsible meat-hanging truck, said truck comprising: a vertical center frame, said center frame having two opposite ends and including horizontal top and bottom members; a pairof vertical end frames hinged to said center frame, one of said end frames being hinged to each of said ends and each end frame adapted to support the ends of a plurality of hanging sticks; clamping means pivotally attached to one of said both ends and said both end frames for releasably securing said end frames in a position perpendicular to said center frame and parallel to one another so as to support said hanging sticks therebetween, said clam-ping means comprising T channel members the base of which are pivotally secured to the ends of said top and bottom members; and a pair of casters secured to the bottom of each of said end frames.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom members are pivotally connected to centrally extending studs on each of said end frames, said top and bottom members and said studs being fabricated from square aluminum rod and the remainder of said center and end frames being constructed of square aluminum tube for lightness and strength of structure.

3. An improved and collapsible meat-hanging truck, said truck comprising: a vertical center frame, said center frame having two opposite ends; a pair of vertical end frames hinged to said center frame, one of said end Irames being hinged to each of said ends, said end frames each having a plurality of corresponing'horizontal rails; clamping means pivotally attached to one of said both ends and said both end frames for releasably securing said end frames in a position perpendicular to said center frame and parallel to one another; a pair of casters secured to the bottom of each of said end frames; and a plurality of reversible hanging sticks supported between said rails of said end frames, each of said hanging sticks being of rectangular bar shape having two vertically opposite edges, one edge being of rounded cross section and relieved at each end to support each stick with the pposite edge upwardly in a low position on said 5 rails, and said opposite edge having a plurality of spaced teeth throughout the length of said stick.

4. A reversible meat-hanging stick for supporting meat products on a truck either draped about opposite sides of said stick or hung from one side thereof by strings and the like, said stick comprising: a body of rectangular bar shape having two vertically opposite edges; one of said edges being of rounded cross section to be positioned upwardly for supporting product draped thereacross, said one edge being relieved at each end to mount each stick on the truck with the opposite edge 6 upwardly in a low position; and said opposite edge having a plurality of spaced teeth throughout the length of said stick for hanging product by strings and the like.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 13,395 4/1912 Shek 2111 /8 2,478,458 8/ 1949 Carter et 211. 2,985,316 5/1961 Ruhnke 211178 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN IMPROVED AND CALLAPSIBLE MEAT-HANGING TRUCK, SAID TRUCK COMPRISING: A VERTICAL CENTER FRAME, SAID CENTER FRAME HAVING TWO OPPOSITE ENDS AND INCLUDING HORIZONTAL TOP AND BOTTOM MEMBERS; A PAIR OF VERTICAL END FRAMES HINGED TO SAID CENTER FRAME, ONE OF SAID END FRAMES BEING HINGED TO EACH OF SAID ENDS AND EACH END FRAME ADAPTED TO SUPPORT THE ENDS OF A PLURALITY OF HANGING STICKS; CLAMPING MEANS PIVOTALLY ATTACHED TO ONE OF SAID BOTH ENDS AND SAID BOTH END FRAMES FOR RELEASABLY SECURING SAID END FRAMES IN A POSITION PERPENDICULAR TO SAID CENTER FRAME AND PARALLEL TO ONE ANOTHER SO AS TO SUPPORT SAID HANGING STICKS THEREBETWEEN, SAID CLAMPING MEANS COMPRISING T CHANNELS MEMBERS THE BASE OF WHICH ARE PIVOTALLY SECURED TO THE ENDS OF SAID TOP AND BOTTOM MEMBERS; AND A PAIR OF CASTERS SECURED TO THE BOTTOM OF EACH OF SAID END FRAMES. 